Islamic Imperialism

Who in the world is overtly attempting to expand territories and control greater numbers of people?  For what purpose? Imperialism is considered an effort by a given country to expand its influence by incorporating captured, or overthrown areas, into its own, under its flag and government.  However when religions grow, they generally do so independent of the governments of areas in which they spread.  Not the case for Islam.  Under Islam the governance of an area, the law of the land and the life-style of the people is to be Islam, under Islamic Law.  Thus in Islam the application of Imperialism is to achieve, as is the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood, one world order, the Umma, all for Allah and under a single world leader or most influential Islam scholar, the ulema to all nations.

Population Statistics

The largest Countries by total population are China and India, with the United States a distant 3rd.

Here is a list of the top 10 by Population (numbers rounded – 000’s)

1. China                          1,340,000
2. India                            1,210,000
3. United States                 313,000
4. Indonesia                       238,000
5. Brazil                             191,000
6. Pakistan                         178,000
7. Nigeria                           162,000
8. Russia                            143,000
9. Bangladesh                    142,000
10. Japan                              128,000

Land Area of Countries

These numbers may surprise you.  By land size we have the top 10 in square miles; Russia has a commanding size advantage over others, much of which is snowbound tundra, with Canada, China and the United States following with similar land masses.

 Country                       (# miles)

1. Russia                         6,602,000
2. Canada                       3,855,000
3. China                          3,722,000
4. USA                            3,718,000
5. Brazil                          3,288,000
6. Australia                     2,970,000
7. India                            1,269,000
8. Argentina                    1,074,000
9. Kazakhstan                 1,052,000
10. Algeria                            920,000

World Muslim Population

Muslims comprise approx 23% of the world population, 1.6 Billion, living predominantly in the Middle-East.  Indonesia is the largest Muslim, and 4^th largest total population. Indonesia,Pakistan and Bangladesh are in the Top 10 by total population and predominantly Muslim. India because of total numbers also represents one of the largest Muslim populations, although only 13.4% of their total population.  The split of Pakistan and India in 1948 resulted in the migration of most Muslims to Pakistan.

Muslim Population (Est. 2009)

            Country           Muslim Population     Muslim %       Muslim/Total Muslims

1. Indonesia       202,867,000                 88.2%                  12.9%
2. Pakistan         174,082,000                 96.3                     11.1
3. India               160,945,000                 13.4                     10.3
4. Bangladesh    145,312,000                 89.6                       9.3
5. Egypt               78,513,000                 94.6                       5.0
6. Nigeria             78,056,000                 50.4                       5.0
7. Iran                   73,777,000                  99.4                       4.7
8. Turkey*            73,619,000               ~98                          4.7
9. Algeria              34,199,000                 98.0                       2.2
10. Morocco*           31,993,000              ~99                         ~2

Arab Muslim Population

The largest Arab Muslim countries are Egypt and Algeria; neither is in the Top 10 by Population.  Iran would consider themselves Persian mostly Shiite, and are notably absent from this list (source: Wikipedia).  Iran would be 2^nd if considered Arab with 74 million Muslims.  Afghanistan, also Persian, with 29 million people, would be 7^th.

The top 10 Arab Muslim Countries add up to about 306 million people. That is 20% of the Muslim population.  If you includeIran&Afghanistan, we are closer to 410 million or 25%.  Terrorist activities appear to be from people based in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.

Islamic Objective

The goal of Islam, at least the most fundamental, the Islamists, is spreading the Ideology  (the religion) of Islam and the constitutional elements they believe should be born out of the Quran – Sharia Law – country by country.  The use of terrorist tactics, outright war, and cultural insurgency (Dawa) are common practices that historically have eliminated hundreds of millions from the ranks of non-Muslims and moderate Muslims.  It is notable that more Muslims have been eradicated in the name of Islam, the fundamentalists at odds with the more moderate or objective sects of Islam, than non-Muslims.  That trend may not change immediately, continuing as it is in places where the Arab Spring sprung and the Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi’s are at work making the water pure by their standards.

Most recently the Islah group in Yemen has an army that has been killing other Muslims, members of sects that are not of the same persuasion as the Islah party.  Islah and the Muslim Brotherhood have a close affiliation.  They were to be peaceful.

The West is clearly a target.  Success is evident already in Europe and Great Britain where the presence of Muslims and the call for Multiculturalism, a politically correct (but negative) approach to diluting established standards of a society, is advancing. Some changes in thinking towards support for a multi-cultural environment are being seen.  It only makes sense if you live in a country to be part of that country, speak the language and learn the history. If you come to France or Germany, even the UK, is that not because you wish to be French, German or British, or at least enjoy the freedom, opportunities and advantages that they offer.  If so, then seek to be a citizen of that which you prefer.

Multiculturalism can be observed in the use of more than one language, by restaurants and food emporiums catering to food requirements of ethnic groups, not voluntarily but by regulation, and concentrations of cultures that refuse to adapt to that of the local area – and the government going along with it.  It is also notable in expressed outrage, calls for hate crime legislation, laws against anything said that might be divisive towards a segment of the population, even though no harm is done.  The legislatures are acquiescing to such demands.  Courts are also showing how they have been impacted in judgments made; judges have (inadvertently, I say) used laws, religious or from international circles, that are not of the Constitution of their homeland.  Most often cases involve family matters, but regardless when the application of law is of an Ideology different from the Constitutional Laws of the land in which one lives, it is wrong.

Influence

Influence from the most fundamental Islamist schools is found in many non-Muslim areas.  A percentage of oil revenues are being applied to establishing schools, texts and methods for educating the young that strongly favor the most Islamist ideals.  The madrassas are the mosques and education centers for teaching the Islamic ideals.  Non-Arab areas such as Indonesia and Pakistan are engaged in a torrent of attacks effectively targeting smaller cities to establish model Islamist areas.

Recent reports of a Christmas Day act of violence against Christians in Nigeria are important to note.  This Country is half Muslim, but the hatred towards non-Muslims prevails as vicious attacks occur all too frequently.

The Imperialism is not to expand the territory, but to expand, by the sword (i.e. military or terrorist attacks) and dawa, the world All-for-Allah.  It is a diabolic approach to growing one’s faith. (I see it more Ideology than Religion).

Eyes Need to Open, Minds Need to Understand

The World needs to open their eyes and minds to events that are taking place.  Independent thought must be encouraged.  People need to mature and understand their need for clarity of judgment.  Analyze the words of your faith, the laws of your countries, even the local laws, and the convictions or proclamations being promoted.  Look into the hearts of the leaders, the media darlings, and decide for yourselves whether what is being said or supported matters to the human race as a whole.  Are human rights being denied – yours or anyone else’s?   Are the leaders in it more for themselves or do they truly care for the People?  Islam is not a People oriented Ideology.

Change is possible when the People represented, not the representatives necessarily, realize they are the victims, they are being used, and they are being taken advantage of for the benefit of the Imam, the President, the members of Parliament or the legislature.

Manufacturing – Jobs

It is not the manufacturer, or the productive elements of a society that cause harm, as many politicians attempt to portray.  It is the lack thereof.  The members of a society that want to work can only be a benefit to society as a whole.  It is a creative, industrious nation that progresses and builds a culture that can be good for everyone.  When a nation becomes subject to the whims of a government influenced by Scriptural Laws, then it is doomed, it will be relegated to an impoverished state to rely on crumbs offered to sustain and control the masses.  Why in the Arab Muslim world is there so little manufacturing of the goods and even the services used?  Is it Allah that provides, the Will of Allah that makes the weapons, the automobiles, the health care system, the safe water and safe foods available for the locals?  If there was not a third-party source for, nor the funds to purchase, the goods and services now used in places like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, the Emirates, and Dubai what would happen?   If oil had not been first discovered and developed by non-Muslims where would the money be today to spread Wahhabism?

If the Arab Muslim world were to run dry of oil, or alternatives for oil discovered, what would be the outcome for the countries noted?

Jobs are essential.  Indolence or lack of opportunity leads to stress and dependence, if not on the government, then on habituates. Yemen men seem to survive on Qat.  Qat is a stimulant that just about every other country in the world prohibits.  If there was work, manufacturing, opportunities to be productive, then the focus becomes one of self-worth, growth of an economy, better life-styles for family and friends, and a more cordial and cooperative society.  Without it you have the Occupiers, the rebels, the ‘me’ population crowding about with hands held out for the crumbs the government can provide – in exchange for their vote of support.  Also you have youth that can be recruited to do the bidding for causes they are trained to support, they are paid to support, their families are rewarded if they support, and they are convinced what they are doing is for religious purposes, even if killing or suicide are involved.  Allah can provide if you hate those you are told and convinced to hate and carry out missions against them.  Who are you really helping?

Pray for a Free World – All the World

Pray for a world where the conscious mind can know when it is being brainwashed, or used by others to do their calling in a destructive manner.  The Rights of each individual must be fully embraced, as one would want for themselves.  Kindness, love and a caring attitude of one human towards another is that which needs to prevail.  Only a loving God can do that, and those whose eyes are open to that loving God, who are no longer blind to the truth, will know it is not a command to love god but a voluntary act for the One who came to save all mankind.

Pray that people will learn and understand Islam and the negative impact creeping Sharia has on all people, the common person.  If the objective is to grow Islam for a world order all for Allah, the imperialistic goal is to conquer each nation, country, area and take control by changing their constitutions to that of Islamic Law.  Allow then the scholars of Islam to inform the nations of the methods they are to employ. Enable the Caliphate to then be reborn as the umbrella that shades the world in Sharia.  The Caliphate can be the Thumb of Allah in the hands of man.

Resist what is uncivilized, the hate and the suppression in Islam.

Grace and Peace

Under One’s Thumb

The expression of being ‘under one’s thumb’ conjures up thoughts of total control or dominance.  Being subject to another’s whims is as being under the thumb of another.  In Islam the ultimate authority is Allah.  The Will of Allah as recorded in the Quran is not to be questioned and the directives from the Quran and the Five Pillars of Islam are to be obeyed as a matter of Islamic Law.  Allah’s Thumb stands between Allah and mankind and provides a shadow over all who are Muslim and conditioned to submit to His Will.

Muslim Brotherhood

If the Muslim Brotherhood (‘MB’) applies its slogan, in time and with patience, the world is destined for a return of the Caliphate.  The Slogan: Islam is the Solution.  I ask the solution to what?  It cannot be the solution to the excessive turbulence, hatred and skirmishes, including actual wars, taking place in so many arenas in this world. It is not the solution towards obtaining peace.

Muslims, the fundamentalists, the ulema that espouse Sharia and a world All-For-Allah, are wanting the Thumb of Allah on the necks of all mankind.  Those not of the order of Islam are to be eliminated or reduced to servitude, possibly slaves, acquiescing forcibly to the claimed superior nature of the Muslim. Even those Muslims that are not of the schools the fundamentalists prefer, the likes of the Sufi or the Zaydi, are considered too permissive and subject to being corrected, or reduced to ashes as if they too are infidels.  Where is the peace in that?   Now the MB refers to the Caliphate as the goal of “Mastership of the World.”[1] “All Islamists have the same goal: the establishment of a Sharia-enforcing caliphate.” [2]  It is interesting they suggest Jerusalem as the base for a restored Caliphate.  That is in your face humorous yet ‘for real.’

Not only do the Islamists want to eradicate Jews, they would like to eliminate the Bible and all Judeo-Christian beliefs. Even though the Quran contains much of Biblical traditions, even laws, the corrected copy, as they refer to their Scripture, being the Quran, is to become the Constitution of the Caliphate and each Nation that falls under its dominant positions.  The MB will not use terrorist tactics, leaving that to others, using dawa instead.  The gradual infiltration of all areas making alterations as necessary to allow Sharia to further develop and become the rule of law is part of the Action Plan.

The MB Credo:

• Allah is the Objective
• The Quran is our Constitution
• The Prophet is our Leader
• Jihad is our Way
• Death for the Sake of Allah is the Highest Aspiration

Da’wa

Da’wa refers to missionary work to spread Islam, incrementally, to impose Sharia and a caste system in which women & non-Muslims are subjugated.  Conversion is the objective.  Da’wa is not like other missionary work. To advance the acceptance (or tolerance) of Islam, its principles, and to eliminate the competition (freedom, democracy, Christianity, Judaism, secularism, etc), it applies all available means of pressure:

• political campaigns,
• Lawfare (legislation),
• infiltration of the media,
• scare tactics
• control of the education system, etc.

Countries or governments that allow for the common good in their civil laws are anathema to Islam. They are the barricades the MB will attempt to break through and establish a foothold for Islamic Law. Where they can establish a stronghold,  with Egypt in play, possibly Libya and Yemen, and using spin-offs from the Muslim Brotherhood and the ulema that apply the philosophy and thinking of Sayyid Qutb, they will enforce the no proselytizing dictates of the Quran.  They will force by fear and trepidation, as the example of Muhammad, conversion or dhimmi status to those not in line.

The Non-Arab Muslim World

Arabs are not the dominant sect of Muslim.  The largest Muslim Countries are not Arab. Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria and Bangladesh are not Arab.  The ulema, the scholars, they too are teaching and proclaiming the philosophy of the most extreme of thinkers, not just Qutb, but Maududi.   Qutb and Maududi have come to essentially the same conclusions.  The application of reason when it comes to the Scripture and other books of Islam used in the political, judicial and civil cases of Muslim are wrong.  Reason suggests permissiveness, which they will not allow.  What THEY define, Allah Wills. Of what Allah Wills, they define.

For those in America and other democratic free countries, for those in the UK and Europe, Greece, even those in more secular areas, even Muslim (Turkey), beware of the goal.  In America we have C.A.I.R., like the ACLU but to defend Islam, an organization some label as ‘moderate’ (the Council on American-Islamic Relations), whose stated objective, made by their founder, Omar Ahmad, in California:

‘Islam isn’t in America to be equal with any other faith, but to become dominant.  The Koran, the Muslim book of Scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth.”

That quote speaks volumes for establishing Sharia, a totally unconstitutional system of religion and law in the USA.  It is un-American from my vantage point, yet our Government allows C.A.I.R, MSA, and many other Islamic organizations to practice. The USA allows madrassas to teach hatred and Imam’s, from their lecterns in madrassas or Islamic Cultural Centers in America, to tell their audiences that killing Americans is praiseworthy, especially soldiers, that Muslims who die fighting against America and what we represent (which is freedom) and for Allah are to be supported and heralded as leaders for their cause.

Ideology vs. Religion

If Islam were only an Ideology it would not be allowed to advance or be given the PC treatment to the extent is has.  I believe it is more Ideology than Religion.  Allah may be the same God the Christians and Jews honor, but Allah has been converted by Muhammad and his Companions, the ulema and other Islamic scholars, to be more what man prefers than what god would prefer. If you are in doubt though, and this from the Quran itself, go to the Bible:

• Sura 10:94 – “If you were to doubt as to what We have revealed unto you, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before you; the Truth has indeed come to you from your Lord….”

 This verse authenticates the Bible. The Book that came before the Quran, since it is used extensively by the Quran, is the Bible.  How then was the Quran corrupted by man?

Islam is an Ideology.

Allah’s Thumb

Muhammad and his Companions, those who are credited with the contents of the Quran (it was not ‘uncreated’, I believe, as some Muslims claim), are important to the Book of Islam.  It is not only the sayings of Muhammad that are considered in Islamic jurisprudence, it is also the sayings of Companions as well as subsequent scholars of significance.  However the Quran was not recorded until 12 or more years after Muhammad’s death.  The 3^rd Caliph Uthman took on the project.  There were many consulted for their recollections of what Muhammad may have said which he received in caves, on 3 occasions.  The angel Gabriel visited him and relayed words of Allah.  Allah did not appear himself, using instead Gabriel as his avenue of transmission. Input for the Quran was provided by others, not Muhammad who died, but by those who could remember and recite what they learned from Muhammad during his lifetime.  Their own thoughts and recollections could well have been colored with their personal triumphs, desires, wants and needs to then be justified in this Scripture.  They were not all equipped with the same knowledge, or had the same experience or even association with Muhammad.  His wife who was 40-43 years younger, Aisha, was one of those sharing her memory. She recalled, to the best of her ability, what Muhammad shared with her.  He shared as much as he could when not with his other 11 wives, or with other Companions, or in the field fighting wars against the Meccans and other non-believers.

The Quran was constructed by word of mouth.  From Allah to Gabriel to Muhammad to Khadija, to Abu Bakr, Aisha, Ali, Umar and so on, to include Zaid (the secretary) and hundreds of men, primarily, that associated with Muhammad.  All was kept in their heads until after Muhammad died.  Some of the memorizers were lost at Yamama. 12 years after Muhammad’s death Uthman took the time and made the effort to assemble the recollections of those still alive.  There was more than one book recorded, then combined, in part or whole, until scholars working with Uthman, taking all the copies, supposedly, decided on a final compilation and that was to be THE Scripture.  All else was destroyed.

When Muhammad died a battle was fought (632 – Yamama) by those who wanted to stop the spread of Islam.  They wanted the engagements conducted and the army created in the name of Allah to be no more.  Although those opposing Islam were not victorious hundreds of Companions, memorizers of words spoken by Muhammad, died and that which may have been a component of the Quran was lost forever.  It has never been said that what is written in the Quran was the inspired word of God, but that it was what God (Allah) actually said.

So from the Quran, the sayings and diary of Muhammad and Companions, a new world order was to be established.  It was to be under one God – Allah.  Those leading the campaigns to establish this new world order enjoyed the spoils of the wars fought and won, along with the extra women that resulted (since their husbands were killed) and the children to be brought up and brainwashed in the ways of Muhammad and the surviving Companions.  One in particular, Umar, the 2^nd Caliph, would be a General in today’s armies.  He continued the spread of Islam with the sword held high. Ill-equipped defenseless populations were destroyed or commanded, out of fear, to convert.  This activity continues.  Umar was assassinated.

This is the Thumb of Allah, the Quran, suppressing freedom and encouraging an Imperialistic spread of Islam using Jihad, Deceit and Dawa to achieve an end.  That end, if ever attained, will not be peaceful.  Allah’s Thumb has been substituted by man in the structure of Islamic (Sharia) Law.  Sharia is as Allah’s Thumb overshadowing all Muslims and keeping them under tight control.

Pray for Open eyes, open Minds, and Hearts for God

Pray for eyes to open to what is transpiring and seeing Islam for what it is, not just those who are the infidels, but those who are Muslim, embrace Islam, yet know it not. Or what may be the case is that the Islam of one Muslim may not be the Islam of another.  Battle lines are drawn.  There will be winners and losers.  And all are supposedly applying the Will of Allah.  Is the Will of Allah then to mutually destroy each other?  I cannot see a true God wanting that for his people.

There are those who are Muslim that are just born into the faith and never practice. The Quran states that by the natural laws of creation every human when born is a Muslim.  They subsequently change, if they do not remain Muslim, due to family influence, culture, etc.  Would that then not make every non-Muslim an apostate?  If more Muslims, I contend, intently studied the Quran, there would be more desiring to leave this Ideology.  They would begin to understand the captive society in which they live along with the fear and concern for retribution if they assume an identity under another Religion.

The juices of independence would flow.  They would know the truth. The brainwashing continues, but retraining the mind is possible. When left to one’s personal judgment of right and wrong, not self-directed but objectively viewing mankind, acquiescence to a legal system where common laws, good for all, more temporal than spiritual, would occur.

Many find a scholar to their liking, as Averroes, and follow, yet he is condemned by the most fundamental.  His followers will suffer the same fate as others who do not believe in the Law endorsed by the most fundamental Islamists.  Establishing just what is to be believed is still underway – over 1400 years after Islam began on the battlefield of today’s Saudi Arabia between Mecca and Medina.

Biblical understanding and the potential for a relationship with God, after more than a year of intense study of the Quran and the activities of Muslims worldwide, has much greater appeal for me personally.  I will continue to pursue understanding Islam, but so far the light of Allah has not brightened my core, yet the light of God has.

Grace and Peace

The trend continues.  The Arab Spring that arose in Tunisia and flowed across parts of the Middle-East, with revolutions in Egypt and Libya changing the government, can now include Yemen.  President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s 33-year rule ended after more than 10 months of turmoil.  From Al Arabaya News dated December 13, 2011, the headline read: Islamists poised to run Yemen after emerging as biggest winners in anti-Saleh struggle.

The concern is that a more fundamentalist group has emerged that will impose strict Sharia Law practices in this Country.  The Islah (reform) Party is a combination of extreme organizations to include the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafi’s.  In a posting on Salafi’s[1] (UI – Part 129 – Salafi) I noted this group makes the Muslim Brotherhood look like boy scouts when it comes to the rigid practices of Islam they prefer, being more akin to Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia.  There is a mix of rebels from a Nobel Peace Prize winner (2011)(so much for Norwegian choices of supporters of Peace)(activist Tawakkol Karman) and a financier of terrorism (according to Washington DC officials)(cleric Abdul Majid Zendani).  Islah is a representative group of the Muslim Brotherhood from years past when students studying in Egypt returned influenced by the persecuted Brotherhood members there (1968 or so).

Saleh will leave office in February as negotiations continue for the change of watch.  The president’s party, the General People’s Congress (GPC), “will lose influence in favor of Islah….” One local analyst noted.

As for the presence of Salafists in his movement, Qahtan stressed Islah was an “open party” and that the “diversity of opinions is a healthy phenomenon.” Mohammed Qahtan is the Islah party’s political department head.  From a Yemeni local with whom I correspond I received the following note: “Hope so (as to the ‘open party’ comment) because I worked once for an Islahi school and there was no diversity of opinions, and moreover, individuals who used to belong to the Islah party and disagreed with its policy were always cast out!”

The Islah indicated they would cooperate with other political factions. The Common Forum groups Islah with the Yemeni Socialist Party, which ruled the former South Yemen, as well as the Nasserist party and al-Haq party which represents the impoverished state’s minority Zaidi Shiites.   The alliance forecast is to be in place for two years –after that, who knows.  Elections, dictatorial control, an overthrow by the Islah to govern alone – who knows.

My local contact informed me that Yemen currently functions much as does Saudi Arabia, except for the wealth, “I believe Saudi Arabia does support Islah party against Houthis that represent the Zaydi sect.”  Saleh was good friends with the Saudi Royal Family.  This contact person is educated and young, an indirect participant, but supporter of the outrage for change, whose views are worthy, “Personally, I think common people are fed up and I don’t think they are into following Islah especially after they (turned their) back to youth and signed the deal with president Saleh. Maybe the revolution hasn’t fulfilled its goals but at least people have dismissed fear out of their hearts and corrupted people in positions of power would think twice before practicing corruption.”

Here again the youth movement of Arab Spring is being hijacked by the more extreme entrenched and organized parties.

I was reminded however, that Yemen is a tribal nation.  We in the West may never understand how the tribal culture works or cooperates with each other.  It seems to be a form of State’s rights with boundaries defined by history.  The leadership is strong within the culture. Family values, memories of prior conflicts and attitudes towards one another dominate decisions.  Entitlements for support of governing factions is called for when a vote is desired – to include positions in government, ownership of enterprises, welfare, and money (cash).  My correspondent refers to dealings tribe to tribe as ‘gamesmanship.’

The prayer always remains that free elections will continue.  It may be the only element of freedom in the Muslim world, but it would be a great beginning which would allow the young, the moderates, the more independent Muslims to have a voice, be given the opportunity to organize and in time have a more civil legal structure that expands human rights for the populace.  When you see a shut down of the election booth then know the authorities have discovered their personal motivation and greed has become a driving force.  Dissent for their treatment of the public will be handled as we are now observing in Egypt and Syria.  The question will be which force emerges the stronger, the one with the gun and military, or the one with the heart and will for a  free society.

Let those in Muslim countries, Arab or otherwise, look to Iran and see the dissidents losing to the authoritarians.  It is always in the name of Allah, but seldom in favor of the populace as a whole.  The people under the thumb of the Khomeini, the scholarly dictator, the voice for Muhammad and Allah, do not wish to become a pagan culture.  They will honor the glory of God, but wish to be free to do so and to do so as they choose.  They want to pick the leader of their preference, not the Khomeini’s.

Governments love to dictate.  We see it in America.  Obama wants so much to tell the American people what is good for them.  The people know what they want.  Let them decide.

Grace and Peace

The prior blog (Part 133) raised the question – Why scorn someone who would die for you?  What purpose would that serve?  You might be troubled by such a sacrifice.  What would be achieved, though, by hating to the extent of extermination those that accepted the sacrifice?  There is neither logic nor reason for such a result.

Why Hate?

Reason – doubt and selfishness.  Ask ‘Why’?  Is it because your life would need to be different from the way you now lead it.  Would you have to treat a female as a person, not as chattel, and provide equal say in a court of law?  Is it due to guilt?  If a person loved you so much and you felt incapable of returning love equally would you feel less than a person, and thus rebel?  It is difficult to overcome the selfish nature of man; that was the purpose for the sacrifice.

If any one person, regardless of religion, faith, or lack thereof, cannot find in his heart the ability to see another as equally human, then we must all stop.  Are people being forced, corralled by their culture, their family, and their peers to suppress their independence and to accept that which upon further study is considered wrong?  We must stop and think.  What is happening in this world?

Passages From the Quran 

Admittedly by now you, as readers, see me as an Islamaphobe.  I do not. I see me as a practical thinker.  Why is a qiblah other than the Spiritual Center of man, his heart, a heart with an open mind, a rational objectivity towards all of mankind, the perfect and the flawed?  Humans do not kill infidels; we must pray for their salvation, we are all God’s children.  For any person of faith the plan would be to achieve peaceful change, not to eliminate or eradicate.  Why are there passages in the Quran saying?

Sura 2.

“Those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers, these it is whom is the curse of Allah and the angels and men, of all (of them)” (2:70).  Disbelievers are those who hide the truth, are estranged from God and have lost any incentive to do good and noble deeds.  For the Muslim these disbelievers, as non-Muslims, are to be subject then to others – to other men.  They have taken justice out of God’s hands.

“And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, and persecution is worse than slaughter.” (2:191) For the Islamists we are in a constant state of war, as they do not understand forgiveness.

“Divorce may be pronounced twice….” (2:229)  Revocable Divorce – Men only.

“So if he divorces her (the third time), she shall not be lawful to him afterwards…” (2:230)  Irrevocable Divorce – Men only.

“And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is only for Allah.” (2:193)

“Your wives are a tilth for you, so go in to your tilth when you like.” (2.223)  Tilth – as with land, to be cultivated – a possession.

“There is no compulsion in religion…. Whoever disbelieves the devil and believes in Allah, he indeed lays hold on the firmest handle which shall never break.” (2:256). Subsequently Abrogated.  Note – this lack of compulsion is towards Muslims – only.

As to debts – financial dealings – “…call to witness among your men two witnesses; but if there are not two men, then one man and two women from among those who choose to be witnesses, so that if one of the two errs, the one may remind the other.” (2:282)

Sura 3.

“Those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their children will avail them aught against Allah.  And they will be fuel for the fire—-“(3:10)

“Fair-seeming to men is made the love of desires, of women and sons and hoarded treasures of gold and silver and well-bred horses and cattle and tilth.  This is the provision of the life of the world.  And Allah – with Him is the good goal (of life)” (3:14) There is no humility in this verse.  Love money. Love your possessions – of which women are as ‘tilth.’  Only a man could write this for men – it does not serve the common good.

“…whoever disbelieves in the messages of Allah – Allah indeed is Quick in reckoning.” (3:19).  Is this justification for heinous acts against those who do not believe in Allah?

“If you love Allah…Allah will love you and grant you protection from your sins.” (3:31) Allah does not love unconditionally as does God.  Are sins being recognized here; the Muslim having an innate habit and cause for sinning?

Mary speaking to Allah, “My Lord, how can I have a son and man has not yet touched me?  He (Allah) said:  Even so; Allah creates what He pleases.  When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, Be, and it is.” (3:47)  For me this goes to the concept of God the Father.

“And Allah is the best of planners (deceivers)” (3:54) God would never deceive. He would always be of Truth.

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was (an) upright (man), a Muslim; and he was not one of the polytheists.” (3:67)

Sura 4.

“…Marry such women as seem good to you….(up to as many as) four….” (4:3)

Inheritance – “the male is the equal of the portion of two females….” (4:11)

“Men are the maintainers of women….The good women are obedient….to those you fear desertion, admonish them, leave them alone in their beds and chastise them….” (4:34)  Beat them.  Corporal punishment

“…be good to the neighbor of (your) kin and the alien neighbor…” (4:36)  This does not suggest love of neighbor.  Be good only to advance the cause of Islam.

“So let those fight in the way of Allah who sell this world’s life for the Hereafter.  And whoever fights in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious.  We shall grant him a mighty reward.  (4:74)   This could suggest suicide missions against infidels.

“…what reason have you not to fight in the way of Allah…” (4:75)

“Whatever GOOD befalls thee (O man), it is from Allah, and whatever MISFORTUNE befalls thee, it is from thyself.” (4:79)

“…whoever kills a believer intentionally, his punishment is hell…” (4:93) A Muslim can pay blood money.  Killing a non-believer – not so bad.

“And whoever commits a sin, commits it only against himself.” (4:111)

“Those who take disbelievers for friends, rather than believers.  Do they seek for might from them?  Might surely belongs wholly to Allah.” (4:139)   Make no friends of non-Muslims – except to deceive.

“…when you hear Allah’s messages disbelieved in and mocked at, sit not with them until they enter into some other discourse, for then indeed you would be like them.”  (4:140)

“O you who believe, take not the disbelievers for friends rather than the believers.  Do you desire to give Allah a manifest proof against yourselves?” (4:144)

Christ did not die on the cross – (4:157) – denial of the man who tried to save all of mankind.

“…say not Three, Desist, it is better for you.  Allah is only one God.  Far be it from his glory to have a son.” (4:171)

Sura 8.

“I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve.  So smite above the necks and smite every finger-tip of them” (8:12)

“Allah is the Best of Deceivers.” (8:30)

“And fight them until there is no more persecution, and all religions are for Allah.”(8:39). Are you being persecuted when another gives their life in substitution for crimes you have committed against God?

“Surely the vilest of beasts in Allah’s sight are those who disbelieve.” (8:55)

Sura 9.  (one of the last Suras, thus all before abrogated if changed)

“…Allah is free from liability to the idolaters.” (9:3)  Takiyya – Lying to a non-Muslim OK.  Consider the Oath of office, or agreeing to honor the Constitution.

“Slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captive and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush.” (9:5)

“…protect the idolaters (who seek protection)…till he hears the word of Allah.” (9:6) and while they pay a tax – jizya.

“Fight those who believe not in Allah….” (9:29)

Sura 10

“…if you are in doubt as to my religion, (know that), …I serve Allah, Who causes you to die; and I am commanded to be of the believers.”  (10:104)  Don’t believe in Islam, the be forewarned.

Sura 16

“Whoso disbelieves in Allah after his belief – … who opens (his) breast for disbelief – on them is the wrath of Allah, and for them is a grievous chastisement.” (16:106)  Death to the Apostate.

Sura 22   (a later –Medina period revelation)

“Surely Allah defends those who believe.  Surely Allah loves not anyone who is unfaithful, ungrateful.” (22:38)  Allah’s love is conditional.  God’s love is Unconditional.

Sura 23  (revealed in Mecca)

“Allah has not taken Himself a son, nor is there with Him any (other) god – …” (23:91)  Denial of Jesus as a son of God.

Sura 30

“…set thy face for religion, being upright, the nature made by Allah in which He has created men.  There is no altering Allah’s creation.  That is the right religion – but most people know not –“ (30:30)  Islam as the natural religion of man, to which human nature bears testimony.  Everyone, so Islam claims, is born a Muslim.  After parents then choose Christian or Jew, etc.  (fitrah – meaning: instinctive))

Sura 42

“And (that) those who dispute about Our messages may know.  There is no refuge for them.” (42:35)  A warning to anyone who doubts, criticizes, does not agree, or counters the Quran and what it says.

Sura 60.

“We disbelieve in you and there has arisen enmity and hatred between us and you forever until you believe in Allah alone…” (60:4)    Hatred personified.

Sura 66

“…his Lord, if he divorce you (to the women), will give him in your place wives better than you, submissive, faithful, obedient, penitent, adorers, fasters, widows, and virgins.”  (66:5)  What a man can expect after divorce.

These are among the verses that demonstrate the extremism possible and practiced by the Islamists.  It is not a fair equation; it is not a legal system; it is not the foundation for a rule of law to be established for the good of everyone.  It scorns the one who Saved calling him perfect and a prophet, but denying his divinity and then demanding hatred to all who believe and follow Him – Christ (Isa).  I suggest to all readers they understand these verses as written.  They have not been taken out of context.

Applying the Quran to Life

If you apply, as the Islamists do, the Quran, the diary and sayings of Muhammad, to a political and governmental system, then you have an Ideology.  It diminishes the Religion to that of a system of control.  It becomes a man-thing.  To the extent there is a heart for God it is diminished by the requirements imposed by humans to obey, to obey God as man dictates.  Islam has been hijacked by humans, or created by humans, to be a mechanism for autocrats and fundamentalists and used not as a pathway to peace, but as an imperialistic battle to enclose the world.

The second Caliph, Umar, was a master at war.  He discovered his abilities to command an army and relished each opportunity to move into new territories. He did this when Muhammad was alive.  He continued to conquer after Muhammad died.  Doing so in the name of Allah was brilliant, as those captured would be led into believing Umar’s actions were for his Prophet Muhammad (then deceased) and Allah; man was simply the instrument used by God.  To scorn the one who saved gave Umar’s exploits, and exploiters, reason to fight.  Their cause more hatred that love for God.  Their desire for material wealth and power was the truth hidden in their deception.   And the Quran was only a memory at that time.  It took the next Caliph, concerned by the loss of hundreds of ‘memorizers’ at the Battle of Yamama, to organize and record today’s Quran.

Denial of the One Who Saved

The One who Saved was Christ.    Not everyone accepts this ultimate sacrifice – even though included.  The Bible notes that because of ‘their wickedness” men will “suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18-32).  Christ’s divine nature is known, but to accept would disable the evil desires of man, thus “they became fools.”  “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie” and did “what ought not to be done.”  They are greedy, depraved and “are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.”  “They invent ways of doing evil…senseless… heartless, ruthless” approving of others who act as they do.  Companions in crime.  They hate; they scorn.

Denial

Inherent in all of this is ‘denial.’  Jesus is seen by the Muslims as a Prophet (Isa), but human and not divine.  Even though Allah can do or Be as he chooses, and granted Mary was a virgin with whom Allah blessed to have a child (Isa), her son had no earthly father nor was the son His son. (Whose son was he?)  The concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), used to explain the Oneness of God, is miss-interpreted as polytheist in nature.  The term ‘Trinity” was introduced separate from the Bible. Taking the Spirit out of the equation, allowing for Muhammad as the Counselor Jesus promised the Apostles would follow, Mary was substituted.  The Trinity was denied by Islam in the Quran.   The Trinity was presented as the Father, Son and Mary – an odd combination.  Muhammad knew the story having traveled in the area of Israel when employed by his wife – Khadija.  The Bible is important but only as background for the Quran and the changes made by Muhammad, revealed to him via the angel Gabriel, by Allah, and became the so claimed ‘corrected’ copy.  And then corrections continued as earlier verses could be reduced in their importance by later verses.  Was it Allah that could not decide?  Yet God is unchangeable.  If verses contradicted one another then the later verse was the truth, thus the practice of Abrogation.

The writing introduced by the Quran in effect is the recording of the denial of the Word of God and the Good News of the One who Saved.  What is written is the subsequent desires of men; the deception is man’s miss-use of God to satisfy man’s wants.

Muhammad and his Companions have been most successful in making the ‘me’ of authority, having special privileges accorded, become the doctrine and Ideology of hundreds of millions, many followers out of fear more that out of love.

Why Hate?

Have you now a different view or answer to – Why Hate?  There is no rational reason as to ‘Why.’  The only logical conclusion one can draw relates to the inherent ‘me’ nature of humans.  Overcoming ‘me’ is the obstacle the One who Saved made possible.  Call Him the Humble Hurdler.  Join His track team and achieve the ultimate Glory.

We pray each day for a world where God can lead his people to live in peace, a pluralistic society that seeks truth and understanding in a civil fashion, without a sword at the throats of those who doubt, disagree or become an apostate.

Grace and Peace

Hating the One Who Saved You

Have you ever thought about why a person trying to save others would be hated or scorned?

We see it at times towards the military.  Members of military forces, to include police, are trained to keep the peace, more than kill an enemy. There are some who see them not as peacekeepers, but enemies of the people, at least of the people who would prefer such oversight be stopped.  Who are they – the speeders, drug dealers, con-artists, identity thieves, addicts, robbers, rapists, and other criminals, among others?  If everyone joined hands with an objective of respect for those who strive for good, to help and save, there just might be peace.  Clergy teach their flock to love neighbors, loving God above all.  But churches are attacked, their membership too, in far too many areas of the world.  They are targets.  Ask why, why when these people have faith and live not to do harm, but to achieve a place in His eternal Kingdom and to love neighbor and God as the two most important commandments, are there others that find it a pleasure to kill, main, or otherwise do harm.  What are they saying?  What are they trying to tell the world?  It cannot be good news.

If your neighbor were willing to lay down his life for you, would you then ignore this act of kindness and eliminate his family.  What would you be hiding?  What if a friend when the police arrived to arrest you for a crime you committed, stand before you, between you and the arresting officer, hands held out and say handcuff me?  Punish me.  How would you feel?  What would you say or do?  What would you tell others?  Would you be thankful?  You might ask, or should ask, what would be expected, then, of me?

The answer – it is simple – do not repeat your crime.  There are expectations.  Do unto others as I have done for you.  Do the right thing going forward.  Pay it forward.  Respect your friend for the sacrifice.

There are Laws that when obeyed make the world safe for everyone in it.  There can be bad laws too, when man intervenes and passes legislation favoring what man wants and not God commands.  A proper legal system does not favor one class over another, to include rich vs. poor or the powerful vs. the weak or men vs. women.  Fair laws are structured to protect everyone.  They can live with doors unlocked, with car windows opened, without locks or keys, travel without concern for their wallet or physical safety.  Women can live without being a potential victim of a male bent on sexual satisfaction, or demeaned for being less than an equal, or taken advantage of by being weaker.  Women would know they know they are equal.  Human Rights would be a common practice; equality and liberty would prevail.  We know that is not the case.  You must wonder – why is that not the case?

We fear those who cannot accept the sacrifice.

We fear those who scorn the savior, who reject an act of such kindness, without even giving thought that it was for you and me, everyone – for those that hate and scorn also.

What is the harm in believing, at least respecting, a person who would be so humble, so giving, so loving as to die for mankind?  Why reject a loving person even if you disagree?  With witnesses in the hundreds it is not easy to dismiss the facts, unless totally ignorant or ignoring of them.  The only possible reason would be interference, interference with a personal lifestyle, objectives and wants that are not designed for

Next week the foucs will be on Why Hate?

Remember – Christmas – The King

This Christmas time of year we remember the Birth of Jesus.  We also must remember the humble servant to the people.  He was the King, but not as Caesar, as the Divine Creator who offered an Eternal Life in His Kingdom.  We live in a pagan world and His World.  We make choices.  We can live in both, but must decide our future.  That decision is made possible by the sacrifice Christ made for All Mankind.  We are all included in the saving grace of the Lord Almighty.  His sacrifice enabled all people to be Chosen People, chosen for a life eternal with Him.  He also wanted and made possible peace on earth by being humble, caring, loving and forgiving.  His love is Unconditional.  He awaits your return to Him.

What Makes it so Easy to Scorn?

What makes it so easy for so many to scorn someone who would give his life to save?  This is truly a question impossible to answer – an imponderable of monumental proportions.  What makes it so difficult to accept the witnesses of hundreds and hundreds to the resurrection of Jesus?  His ascension paved the way for our Salvation.  What makes over a billion followers of the Ideology of Islam want so much to destroy those who believe in God and his sacrifice?  Even if they choose to ignore, why kill for the sake of Allah?  Is that what God wants?  Sura 22:17 reads: “Those who believe and those who are Jews and…the Christians…and the polytheists – surely Allah will decide between them on the day of Resurrection.  Surely Allah is Witness over all things.” This suggests Judgment is Allah’s alone.  The hatred of Islamists towards non-Muslims should not be vented here on earth.  That is not the Will of Allah.  It is not the Will of God.

We must all pray for a world at peace.

Thanks Be to God.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Grace and Peace.

Love without Strings Attached

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  To Christians he is our Savior.  To Muslims he is among the greatest of Prophets.  He is also a wise man to the Jews.  Most of the world knows Jesus, his story.  They know he is called Christ.  It is time to reflect on a person who was willing to give his life for all mankind.  This is an act that can never be forgotten, even scorned.  Whether you believe or not one must be thankful for one so humble, so willing and so able to die for you and me so we may be free.  The gift God gave us is one to be cherished; to be shared with others so they may also know and never forget what unconditional Love means.  Why anyone would outright reject one who committed no sin and then took upon himself the punishment we deserve for all crimes past, present and future, is beyond comprehension.

Adam and Jesus

Adam was born without sin, the progenitor of humanity.  God’s plan was interrupted by the choice made when tempted by the serpent, Satan, deceiving and lying to achieve his purpose, not God’s.  One man’s trespass and all men were condemned.  God was not deterred.

Jesus was born without sin.  Satan’s temptations did not work on him.  He remained pure. He remained humble.  Jesus was the New Adam.  His death and resurrection was proof that all who believe will be resurrected, will be saved and live a life eternal in the New Eden God has prepared.  Jesus restored God’s Plan.  The Bible story shares the lineage of Jesus from God to Adam to Noah to Abraham to Isaac to Jesse to David to Joseph and Mary and to the birth this day of Jesus.  One man’s act of righteousness led to justification and life for all men.  Humanity can be united under the banner of Christ.  God made that possible.

Holy Living

Rules for Holy Living are noted in Colossians 3 – “…set your hearts on things above….set you minds on things above….”

From Col 5-17: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.  Here there is no Greek (Gentile) or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, (Muslim), slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore as God’s chosen people (all of mankind), holy and clearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

May the Blessings of Christ be with you and yours this Christmas Season, and always, and may you discover the Love God has for you; it will remain until you also Love him.  With an open heart you will discover his love is the love that fills the world. His love is the light of this world.  Otherwise there is emptiness and darkness.

Grace and Peace

During the week of December 5, 2011, I had the opportunity to hear Bridgitte Gabriel and her ACT for America presentation a couple of times in a small setting.  Having read her books, Because They Hate and They Must be Stopped, I knew her story.  I attended a larger audience several months ago.  Each presentation was identical for the most part.  It is effective and captures the attention of the audience to the problem with radical Islam.  No one would want to go through her trauma, or have their children go through the horrors of a war based on hate towards Christians and Jews as she did.

Her stand - National Security is the most important issue all Americans must focus on and there is a critical need to understand the threats to our Nation, especially by a group of religious zealots.  That group, which she also calls Islamofacists, is the radical Islamic factions that have been behind numerous attacks against the West or areas where Western ideals exist. Europe has lost the fight against creeping Islam, basically by failing to resist.  We must not let that happen here.

To those around the country that have heard her story it is compelling.  I credit her with backing her words with actions in the formation of her nonprofit organization focused on creating awareness to the inroads being made by the Islamists in the USA.  [ACT for America.  www.ACTforAmerica.org]  Along with her organization’s CEO Guy Rogers the impact they will have over time can only be beneficial for every citizen in this country.  I would encourage any reader to learn more about her organization and provide whatever support possible.

I cannot really criticize her presentation.  I would suggest, however, that she expand her base of support by introducing stories about others who have similar feelings with practical experiences that need to be shared.

America on the Verge

What everyone must know is that there has been a great transfer of wealth from America to OPEC countries, possibly the greatest transfer in all of history, arising from the purchase of oil.  This country’s reluctance to drill and utilize its own resources has created an avenue for extremists who believe that the world can only function in an All-For-Allah format.  When I say this country’s reluctance, it is primarily from the political arena, or federal government.  More than one Administration has imposed unnecessary restrictions on drilling.  They have been responsive to too many outside agents whose personal goals are counter to those of the nation as a whole.  When it comes to Alternative Energy there is no logical reason that such alternatives cannot be researched at the same time we’re using oil which exists in vast quantities under the surface of the United States of America.  If you consider the magnitude of dollars spent each year to purchase foreign oil and apply a small percentage, say 5%, to that figure and have those dollars spent to promote the Ideology of Islam, you can appreciate where the resources come from to build 1600 or so madrassas in the United States.  A Madrassa is not like a Church or Synagogue where there is a service once a week to worship one’s faith.  They are also used to teach children the ways of Islam as well as to organize political actions to be taken to promote their Ideology.  This Ideology is incompatible with the laws of the USA and our Constitution.

Our federal government under the leadership, or lack thereof, of President Obama has become adverse to anything that suggests that Islam, or the Islamists, are the most responsible source for terrorism.  That is not the impression of Americans, nor those in other Western countries.  Efforts are being made to cleanse textbooks of the horrific tactics employed by Muslims throughout history to achieve their imperialistic goals.  Part of this effort is funded by Saudi Arabia, using a portion of their oil revenues.  Training materials have been established to assist teachers and professors in middle school and on college campuses to equip them to discuss the ways of Islam in a fashion that projects them in a positive light.  To do this actual historical facts are either eliminated or significantly watered down.  It is propaganda.  Military training manuals are currently receiving similar review to eliminate language that would offend Muslims.  The reviewers are Muslim.

To match the dollars, dollar for dollar, that are coming from areas of Islamic concentration worldwide and flowing into the West to be used to advance Islam will take a Herculean effort at this stage.  However we must do what we must do to prevent the inroad of this hateful Ideology from taking hold in a country founded on Judeo-Christian principles that place love, of God and neighbor, above all else.  Love of neighbor is not in the Quran, except to the extent as a neighbor of an infidel a Muslim must do everything possible to ingratiate themselves so that they can advance Islam when the time is right.

75% of Muslim Males as Islamists

Ms. Gabriel put forth an interesting statistic.  She claimed that 20 to 25% of all Muslims fall in the more extreme category.  Applying that figure to a worldwide population of Muslims approaching 1.4 billion would indicate 350 million are extreme.  That is a population that exceeds the total population in the United States.  If you consider that 50% of the Muslim population is female, and assume that the militant women represent a far smaller percentage, you are looking at 350 million out of a population of 700 million Muslim men.  That’s one half.  Then let’s consider children.  The young are a much larger percentage of the Muslim population than they are in America and Great Britain, as an example.  In many Muslim countries those under 35 are as much as 40% of the country.  Taking one-third of that number and applying it to the Muslim population we can eliminate another 470 million from the total of Adult Muslims that would be overtly militant.  Please note that the young are being taught to hate America and to kill infidels.  They are told the Christians and Jews are their enemy.  They live in countries where Christians and Jews are like prey for hunters.  Applying the 50% figure for women, we then eliminate another 235 million from the total Adult mature militant potential.  Now we are looking at 350 million Islamists among the base of 465 million Male Adult Muslim possibilities. 

Applying the mathematics we have a figure closer to 75% of the Muslim Male Mature Adult population as extremists, militants, or Islamists whose objective is a world All-For-Allah, with a heated hatred towards Christians and Jews, having a desire to eliminate all churches and synagogues, to disallow any proselytizing by people other than Muslims, especially in the presence of Muslims, and representing a concern to all Americans that we can not allow Political Correctness to run amok when it comes to calling a spade a spade.  Granted that 75% figure may not apply in America as yet, it is much less on our chores, but the influence is coming, the foundation is building, the dollars are flowing from the Arab oil rich areas, and this is the time to be concerned so we can insure the encroachment into our Constitutional freedoms is curbed now.

Concern for America, Our President and our Congress

The election of 2012 is an opportunity for voting Americans to have their voices heard.  Islamism being allowed and creeping in America is not an Economic issue; it is indeed a National Security issue.  We cannot, if you feel as I do, allow President Obama to make America less than what it is.

We are the greatest nation that has existed since God created the universe.  We need to shore up our Constitution and clearly understand the intent of our Founders.  We must make it heard loud and clear that judges in this country can only apply Laws of America, constitutionally sound principles, to legal cases in their courtrooms.  Islamic Law, or Sharia Law, conflicts with our Constitution, as well as the ideals of Freedom that embrace all elements of our society and way of life.  Freedom is anathema to Islam.  To them a free society is a pagan society.  They cannot live in a pagan society.  Why they choose America is beyond me if they believe in their Quran. 

Our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, not as a country to convert people to Judaism or Christianity.  The Founders found in the Book of the People, which is how the Bible is referred to in the Quran, moral and ethical values that the civil laws of this nation should embrace.  Understanding biblical laws helps to understand America’s laws and the principles that are the GPS to follow to create a peaceful society in which pluralism, various religions, faiths, races and cultures can coexist.

We can not allow the hate of Islam to take root in the fertile soil of a great nation.

Grace and peace 

 Individuality – Think for Yourself

Not allowing thinking is preposterous.

This could be a quote from Irshad Manji (‘IM’) and her book – Allah, Liberty and Love.[1]  This is the third commentary I have presented on her eye-opening and encouraging book for all Muslims.  It encourages non-Muslims too.

What is universal, she states, is individuality. It will take individual moral courage and the willingness to pierce the group think, in Islam and beyond. [see UI – Part 127 – Allah, Liberty, and Love (2)]

 Her position is clear.  Muslims are to think. Allah permits it. Muslims must be empowered and emboldened to question the Quran.

Group Identity – Do Not Think

The controversy is clear.  Many Muslims know and believe that thinking as applied to Allah is not permitted (neither doubt nor questioning).

Reference several Suras:

Sura 4:167 says – “disbelieve and hinder (others) from Allah’s way, they indeed have erred, going far astray.”

Sura 5:101 says – “you who believe, ASK NOT about things which if made known to you would give you trouble….”

Maulana Muhammad Ali notes (The Holy Quran…) (pg 278): “The Hadith shows that the Prophet discouraged questions on details in which a Muslim could choose a way for himself (B. 3:28, 29)”

Sura 7:40 reads – “Those who reject our messages and turn away from them haughtily, the doors of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter… (Paradise)”

Has IM strayed from Islam?

IM will have to respond.  Her open-mindedness and encouragement to all Muslims to be independent and embrace love of neighbors, their fellow-man, and those of other faiths is a breath of fresh air every Muslim must take in.  But note that love of neighbor is not written as such in the Quran.  [UI – Part 41 – Love Neighbor as Self[2]]   Sura 4:36 references neighbor, being charitable (or nice) even to an alien (non-Muslim), but love is not suggested.

The impediments seem real.  The threats seem Quranic.  Who wears the arm bracelet with the acronym WWAS?  What Would Allah Say?  The ulema love to answer inquiries with a question, “Do you believe the Will of Allah?”  Or “Do you believe Allah is just?”  How can a Muslim answer that question with anything other than, “Yes?”  IM agrees, but suggests those ulema, and others claiming to be scholars are held to the highest standards of Islam, they are the ones that are wrong in their interpretation.  The Allah the fundamentalists describe and reference as the ruler and regulator is wrong.  They are wrong; man is wrong.

Psalms

When writing this I received a daily Bible verse from Zondervan.  How appropriate and timely.  Psalm 37:4 (NIV84) – “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This is IM’s desire, I would guess.  She remains a Muslim and loves Allah, but is she mistaken in her heart for the true God.  She knows the true God, but is it Allah as the Islamists proclaim? Is Allah a more moderate divine influence, or is God as the Christian’s proclaim, ‘a merciful and saving Lord.’

Another Faith?

While I am not suggesting she (IM) convert to another faith, it appears that the alterations she suggests to the application and interpretation of the Quran as written imply seriously high obstacles for an observant practicing Muslim to overcome.

Abrogation

Consider the chronological order of the Quran and that which was abrogated (superseding that which came prior) by the later periods of Muhammad’s revelations. Much of that which is peaceful is changed.  For instance, Sura 2:256 is the referenced verse suggesting ‘freedom of religion’.  The language used, “There is no compulsion in religion….” This was revealed to Muhammad in the early Medina Period, the earliest Medina revelations. Sura 8 follows after the battle of Badr, which introduced beheading (12) the infidels, fighting the infidels “until there is no more persecution, and all religions are for Allah”(39),  and denial of access to the Kaaba by non-Muslims.  Sura 5 notes never doubting the ideology (101) and not taking Christians or Jews as friends (51).  Sura 9 says “slay the idolaters wherever you find them” (5), and fight the non-believers in Allah (29) unless they recognize the ‘superiority’ of Muslims. (both 5 and 9 chronologically near the end of Muhammad’s life)

Suras 8, 5, and 9, followed 2, abrogating the very suggestion of religious freedom in Islam.

Suras 96, 68, and 73 were the earliest (from Mecca Period), and 5, 9,and 110 were the last Suras in the late Medinah period just before Muhammad’s death.

The Next Chapter – Book

I constantly ask the more moderate Muslims with whom I communicate, “Is it time for a New Furqan?”  If they answered ‘yes’, then the dilemma is who delivers this word.  There would be struggle within the culture, I contend, the clans and the tribes and many Muslims would die, especially those more moderate and open in their desire for change.

For the Christian a New Agreement came from God, God’s personal presence on earth, when the sins of man (or the weakness of man and his ease of accepting temptation resulting in a less than perfect life) were punished and forgiven.

God himself accepted the punishment, all to restore man’s spiritual life.  Overcoming sin and death, man was freed to voluntarily follow God, obey God and live for Him. Independence (IM’s desire) was assured and the final decision to choose a loving God, a saving God, was a personal choice.   The wrath of God, spelled out and demonstrated in the Old Testament, the Old Agreement, would no longer apply to the believer.  God’s judgment would occur on the Last Day.  Man’s judgment would NOT substitute for God.  Judgment, Biblical judgment, is God’s alone.

The Bible is unique as to an Old and New Testament.  The New is the game changer (as a New Furqan would be). The Old provides in detail God’s abilities, his vengeance and wrath. It made known man’s weakness and the free-will disobedience causing a fall from Grace, removal from Paradise, and a spiritual death.  It outlines a way to live a good life, to live in peace and to respect neighbors – and the outcomes for not doing so. It recognizes too a pluralistic world, a world with pagan as well as faithful persons.  It is made clear that vengeance is God’s alone.  It makes clear the preferred life God wants mankind to live and how to live it.  Knowing the Old, humans are made aware of God’s wrath and His Judgment on the Last Day.

A New Agreement

The New Agreement (the New Testament) releases man from the immediacy of God’s wrath as believers in the man-God Christ. Live for Him, make adjustments daily to stay the course and focus on the prize.  There is no mystery.  Love prevails.  Know the past, respect the sacrificial substitution, choose your world, His or this world, honor him in all you do, love your neighbor, and leave the vengeance to God.  Man – stand aside.  Heaven on earth is possible.

Islam needs a New Furqan – a New Agreement with Allah.   I have said this before.  Think. Consider this. Has it already been provided in the New Testament?  Has it existed for centuries?  Is the New Testament the New Furqan for all of mankind? The New Agreement was written before the Quran and has never been abrogated.  Not one verse.

May the Grace of the Lord, the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you and yours.

Grace and Peace

Quran – Political, Military, Legal

A few days ago I met a man who has a passion about Islam, not in a positive way, he feels that it is an encroachment on not only the freedoms we enjoy in America, but freedom that anyone would enjoy when human rights are properly considered. He was knowledgeable and objective.  His conclusions, after much study, were that Islam is Ideology and not Religion.  He gave me a book entitled Shariah – The Threat to America (An Exercise in Competitive Analysis – Report of Team BII), by the Center for Security Policy, 2010, published by the Center for Security Policy. Washington,DC.

Newt Gingrich provided a quote/endorsement for the back cover of the book that reads as follows, “the Team BII Report is a warning of danger every American should read.”

The legal-political-military doctrine that is Islam, or within Islam is known as Islamic law, or Shariah, is seen as a threat to our Nation.

Quoting from the book (page 222):

“Even a fairly superficial reading of the Quran and other primary source documents of shariah reveals that it is a political-military-legal doctrine, rather than a religion as defined by the American standards…. (American standards are principles of liberty that are rooted in mutual toleration.) The prominent Islamic scholar Abdul Maududi concurs with this assessment, saying: “but the truth is that Islam is not the name of a ‘Religion ,’ nor is Muslim the title of a ‘Nation.’  In reality, Islam is a revolutionary ideology and programme which seeks to alter the social order of the whole world and rebuild it in harmony with its own tenants and ideals.”

“… In the United States, liberty was never intended to tolerate the intolerant and its citizens were never intended to tolerate totalitarian doctrines….. Totalitarian doctrines are in direct conflict with the stated purpose of American government “to secure these rights (endowed by their Creator).”  (Page 222)

“Shariah is, moreover, a doctrine that mandates the rule of Allah over all aspects of society.  Specifically, in contrast – and fundamentally at odds – with the Jeffersonian principle of religious freedom, shariah holds that God did not create the mind free, but in subservience to the will of Allah (as detailed in shariah).  The condition of human beings is submission to Allah, not freedom.” (pg 222)

Need I say more.

Grace and Peace,

Divisions of Islam

The divisions of Islam, especially in the Arab world, are primarily Sunni and Shiite.  With the uprisings in Egypt the term Salafi has been used in conjunction with the more fundamental Muslims, those most active and apparent, to those watching changes taking place, who support the radical elements, Sharia Law, and extreme jihad.  Salafism has become associated with literalist and puritanical approaches to Islamic theology.  From our perspective in America, or the West, the term Salafi is associated with Muslim’s that call-out for terrorist-like actions against non-Muslims, even civilians, as a legitimate expression of Islam.  The jihadists are in favor of violent change to the world in an effort to enforce All-for-Allah and Islamic Law as the final outcome for mankind on earth.

Salafi are adherents of the Asharite interpretation of the Quran.  The alternative is the Mu’tazilite, or more reasoned (I suggest rational), approach to Allah and the Quran.

The Silence of the Moderates

Philosophical or interpretive divisions exist as to how  the Quran is to be understood?  Is it to be literal or is it to be adaptive to modernity and/or subject to reason. One side is Asharite, the other Mu’talizite.  Many people with whom I speak feel strongly that there is a large moderate Muslim community, not only in America, but in the entire world.  They may be in the more rational camp.   However this moderate Muslim community is silent.  I saw a recent cartoon, interestingly enough, that depicted a podium with microphone and Teleprompters on either side, the banner on the face of the podium read “Moderate Muslim Leader”.  Behind the podium stood no one.  The essence of the cartoon was that there may be moderates out there but they say little, or nothing, and certainly don’t speak out for an approach to interpreting the Quran that differs with the most fundamental.

The moderates, be it their culture, their family, their peer influence, will not express what everybody thinks the moderates think.  What people would like to think, they think, is they support a pluralistic world, freedom of all religions, freedom of speech, human rights for everybody, equality between man and women, and free elections, in addition to loving God.  Secular governance would be preferred with laws established for the common good, based on what is right for each person, and not based on Islamic Law.

The moderates, loving Allah, they submit to Allah, but they also submit to or fear the Salafi’s.  They submit to peer pressure of those that support a literal interpretation of the Quran. They are afraid to speak out objecting the stricter interpretation and isolationist attitude of Islam for fear, of their lives or their status in their community (umma).

The literal interpretation was explained to me by another writer, apologist for Christianity, critic of Islam, as the only expression of the “original intent” of the Quran. That is significant.  It is the Ash’arite view.

The moderates do not want to be criticized for misinterpreting the Quran.  Many are inherently aware their views are reasonable and rational.  They even question the ulema and their statements of Quranic fact. They differ from the fundamentalists.  They were taught and told not to think about it – Allah has revealed all you need. What are they to do?  They, for the most part, will not rise-up and defend freedom (they have been brainwashed that freedom corrupts their ideology). They wish to remain in the good graces of their fellow Muslims, being loyal.  They resist being classified as Muslims in name only, or non-Muslims, and infidels each (the Kafir).  Apostasy is not an option, as condemnation for their conversion, the threat of death or retribution of some form, is more than they desire.

In recent blogs I discussed Irshad Manji’s book, Allah, Liberty and Love – she is a moderate that is not afraid to speak.  She may be a Mu’tazilite.

Jihad Will Continue

Jihad will continue. Ijtihad is only a peaceful jihad until the time is right for a more violent jihad to take hold and cause significant change.   Islam must be contained.  It is not a faith; it is not a religion, it is a way-of-life, as was communism and fascism, it is Salafism, or the foundational ideology, the intent, of Islam.

I enjoy social networking, both Twitter and Facebook.  A Muslim (female) that tweets on topics related to Islam states in her bio her mantra, what would, or should be, a concern to all infidels.  “Motivated by Hate, Inspired by Love.”  That could be the theme of the Ideology of Asharite Islam (Salafism) and an Imperialistic nature to conquer the world for totalitarian leaders and the ulema using the name of Allah, as God the Creator, to inspire and instill followers.  But the Love is a love of a contrived, useful, Allah, not a love of mankind; the hate is for all who do not love, believe or accept Allah.  It is blasphemy and not truth.

God Loves Unconditionally

Allah only loves if you love him. Line up and be forced to love Allah. God loves unconditionally.  The unconditional love of the true God is a threat to Islam. Those who love God, the loving God, do so voluntarily.  Who is the father of all lies, the Best of Deceivers?  Who would you follow?

Salafis – Ash’arite – Amman Message

You now know what those embracing the ideology of Islam in its most fundamental form are called – Salafi’s.  They are Sunni.  They are Wahhabi.  They are Shiite.   Also they subscribe to the Amman Message[1], a part of which is noted in the following (note the 8 schools):

 Whosoever is an adherent to one of the four Sunii schools (Mathahib) of Islamic jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i and Hanbali), the two Shi‘i schools of Islamic jurisprudence (Ja‘fari and Zaydi), the Ibadi school of Islamic jurisprudence and the Thahiri school of Islamic jurisprudence, is a Muslim. Declaring that person an apostate is impossible and impermissible. Verily his (or her) blood, honour, and property are inviolable. Moreover, in accordance with the Shaykh Al-Azhar’s fatwa, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare whosoever subscribes to the Ash‘ari creed or whoever practices real Tasawwuf (Sufism) an apostate. Likewise, it is neither possible nor permissible to declare whosoever subscribes to true Salafi thought an apostate.

 … No one may claim to do unlimited Ijtihad and create a new opinion or issue unacceptable fatwas that take Muslims out of the principles and certainties of the Shari‘ah and what has been established in respect of its schools of jurisprudence.

 Arab Spring For Sharia

The youth that caused Arab Spring by seeing freedom and sensing an opportunity for themselves, especially free elections and a voice, are being high-jacked by the Salafi. Those educated in the 8 schools that comprise Salafism or Ash’arite interpretations of the Quran are surreptitiously using the movement to return areas to being more Sharia compliant.  The Muslim Brotherhood exemplifies Salafi thought.  Attending a recent speech on the subject Iran, the speaker noted the Salafis make the Muslim Brotherhood look like Boy Scouts.

It is Complicated

I pray that those who read this and understand Islam understand it is complicated, but also understand that it is more ideology than religion.  If you limit understanding Islam to embracing the creator, a loving God, then it may be easier to accept.  However they look at Allah, their God, as exclusive, and that the world order must be for Allah alone, voluntarily or not.  Government, religion, civil laws, the economy, and how people live must be structured based on what Muhammad and his Associates saw as the structure for this monotheistic ideology, founded on God, but interpreted by man, united in an establishment method for living.  The interpretation imposed by the Salafis’ is Ash’arite thinking and the Amman Message for all.

Mu’tazilites

Where are all the Mu’tazilites?  I asked a correspondent in Yemen about Mu’tazilites. Yemenis where texts from Adb al-Jabbar ibn Ahmed were unearthed.  He lived in the late 10^th early 11^th Century but his writings were found in the 20^th Century.  He expressed that the Quran and God are not co-eternal. Mu’tazilite thought summarized as follows. The Quran has not always existed.  It was created.  Knowledge derived from reason.  Reason is the means to truth.  Questions need to raised and addressed.  Doubts can be explored.  The final answers decide right and wrong.  God is accessible to a rational mind and inquiry.  What is required in religion is by virtue of reason alone.  The response: “The Islamic scholars have an objection to … Mu’tazilites (who) believe that God has to be known through thinking and following a faith has to be through searching and reasoning. So according to their base every mindful person is demanded with what his effort and search lead to in the foundations of religion.”

That is not Salafi thinking.  Moderates – what do you believe?

Has Islam been sidetracked by the Asharite expression of intent of the Quran.  Should the Mu’tazilite expression of reason be restored to greater prominence?  What makes sense?

The Grace of God be with all readers.

Grace and Peace